Rumour: Chelsea set to battle for St Etienne defender, Kurt Zouma

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation of St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma, as Jose Mourinho looks to shake up his squad next season, the Express reports.

With John Terry ageing and out of contract at the end of the season, the Blues are watching younger options to provide a long-term replacement for the iconic captain.

The 19-year-old fits that bill after making his name at the French club, with his performances catching the eye of a number of clubs around Europe.

St Etienne don’t want to let him go as they re-establish themselves in the French Ligue 1, but will find any offer in excess of £10 million too good to turn down, while the player himself would welcome a move to a more illustrious league.

Chelsea are in the hunt for Zouma according to his agent, though he warned that they may need to move quickly, with other clubs also sniffing around the talented teen.

David Venditelli said, “Serie A is an interesting destination, as are Inter, for the tactical growth of the player.”

Chelsea would prefer to wait until the summer to tie up any deal for Zouma, but their hand may be forced earlier should other clubs make an approach in January.

He’s still young, but Zouma has become a mainstay in the side when fit, having made 11 appearances for the side.

He has won 74% of his duels including 91% of his tackles and 80% of his aerial duels, while he’s made a very impressive 102 clearances for St Etienne.

Zouma has missed the last eight Ligue 1 games however, as he completes a ten-match ban for making a shocking tackle which broke the leg Sochaux’s Thomas Guerbert.